FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (11/4/05)
Contact: Lynn Stewart or Kelsey Johnson, Centenary News Service, 318-841-7265

Centenary College Choir Accepts Historic Seventh Invitation to Sing at The White House

	The Centenary College Choir will once again sing at The White House this holiday season, having sung there more than any other college choir.

SHREVEPORT, LA— Having received its seventh invitation, the Centenary College Choir will once again sing at The White House during this year's holiday season. An ensemble of 21 choir members, under the direction of Dr. Will Andress, will perform seasonal favorites Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3:15-4:45 p.m. for President Bush, the First Lady and guests at the Christmas Open House and Reception.

The size of the Choir is limited because of the space available at the reception. The Centenary Choir has sung four times during President Bill Clinton's administration and two other times for President George W. Bush. The number of White House performances is an accomplishment believed unmatched by any other college choir.

The Choir will sing for the Shreveport area Saturday (Nov. 5) at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 6) at 2:30 p.m. in its annual Rhapsody in View concert at the Shreveport Civic Theatre.

"It is an honor to perform at The White House for a record seventh time," said Choir Male Vice-President Peyton Dufour. "I feel privileged to be an ambassador of Centenary College on such a special occasion. Hopefully, this will be a continuing tradition for the Choir."

Those going on the trip are:
Sopranos — Jennifer Cockburn of Shreveport, La.; Amber Daniel of Vidor, Texas; Erin Halstead of Sulphur Springs, Texas; Margaret McDonald of The Woodlands, Texas; Lacey Mulkey of Broken Bow, Okla.; and Chelsea Shackelford of Nicholasville, Ky.

Altos — Breonka Burnom of Shreveport, La.; Meredith Davis of Houston, Texas; Helen Feild of Little Rock, La.; Amber Monette of Greenwood, La.; and Brittany Pike of Greenwell Springs, La.

Tenors — Mat Brooksher of Baton Rouge, La.; Darrius Hills of Alexandria, La.; Leo Kacenjar of Shreveport, La.; and Trae Milam of Haynesville, La.

Basses — Tim Carpenter of Plano, Texas; Chris Comeaux of Crowley, La.; Peyton Dufour of Mansfield, La.; Jared Frank of Atlanta, Texas; and Cory Olson of Richardson, Texas.

Accompanist — Daniel Ley of Bossier City, La.

Caitlin Fuelberth of Ennis, Texas; Jack Matthews of Houston, Texas; and Dr. Andress' wife, Julia, will also make the trip. The group will fly to Washington, D.C., on Friday, Dec. 2 and return Sunday, Dec. 4. The trip is made possible by the Choir's corporate sponsors, Kilpatrick Life Insurance Co. and Robertson, Bailes and McClelland LLP.

For more information, contact Dr. Will Andress, director of the Centenary College Choir, at 318-869-5200 or wandress@softdisk.com.

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